Here are some of the top stories in East Providence in 2012.

The TLA/Pond View demolition debris and recycling company finally shuts its doors after years of controversy over its operation in Rumford.

The General Election brought East Providence four new city councilors out of five, five new school committee members and three new state legislators; former mayor Bruce Rogers was among the casualties of the election; James Briden was elected mayor by the new city council; voters approved several charter changes, including four-year terms for general officers.

Former RI Chief Justice Joseph Weisberger of Riverside passed on after a long and distinguished legal career.

East Providence's fire chief retired at the end of the year amid bitterness over undisclosed changes to his compensation, pension and medical benefits; he is being replaced by Fire Marshal Oscar Elmasian for at least six months.

The state-appointed East Providence Budget Commission went to work in earnest and wiped out a multi-million-dollar deficit while creating a new budget without a tax hike.

The new North Broadway bridges reopened a year ahead of time with an accelerated construction schedule used by RIDOT.

East Providence got sideswiped by Hurricane Sandy, which ravaged the East Coast; the city had little damage and among the fewest power outages in RI although an evacuation of several Riverside neighborhoods was suggested and schools were closed.

More than $52 million in improvements made to the wastewater treatment facility in Riverside over several years were completed.

Sports at the city's two middle schools were skuttled by the budget commission as part of cost-cutting efforts to the chagrin of parents and school officials alike; private fund-raising efforts to restore them were started.

The budget commission approved a phaseout of the Homestead Exemption in East Providence over 15 years.

The massive Forbes Street Solar Project got the final approval it needed from the Planning Board; construction will start next year after the landfill is capped.

Yes, there was plenty of news in 2012 in East Providence. What do you think was the top story of 2012? Use the comment box below.